DeSantis activates $5 million in no-interest loans for Southeast Florida businesses impacted by floods

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Gov. Ron DeSantis made $5 million available to businesses negatively impacted by the floods in Southeast Florida Thursday evening.

The money comes via the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program.

Visit here to apply. Potential applicants have until June 19, or until the funds run out.

Those who apply can receive up to $50,000.

The program is administered through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and gives short-term, zero-interest loans to small businesses “that experienced economic injury or physical damage” because of the flooding.

After Hurricane Ian struck Florida last year, DeSantis similarly activated the program for businesses impacted.

The DeSantis administration’s response to the floods began less than 24 hours after the floods worsened in Southeast Florida.

Floods have caused fuel shortages and long gas station lines. To date, one million gallons have been deployed to the area.

Fuel deployment for the flood disaster was managed by the State Emergency Response Team.

Broward County Commissioner Michael Udine said Thursday afternoon that things are looking “much better” at Southeast Florida gas stations.